NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS RESCUE 28 KIDNAP VICTIMS, ARREST TERRORIST, ARMS SUPPLIER

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued no fewer than 24 citizens abducted by terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops rescued the victims after a gun battle with the terrorists hibernating in the Mandara mountain in the state.

According to a statement on X on Wednesday, the Nigerian Army also said troops rescued four residents in Kaduna State.

The service added that several weapons were recovered from the terrorists during the operations.

The statement read, “On September 3, 2024, troops deployed in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State raided a terrorist stronghold in the Mandara mountains. After a fierce firefight, the terrorists were forced to abandon 24 hostages who have been rescued by the troops. A sweep of the area yielded 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one AK-47 rifle magazine, a dane gun, and other items.

“In a parallel operation in Kaduna State, troops on an offensive mission to dismantle a kidnappers’ den neutralised one criminal in Kabode village, Kachia Local Government Area, while others took to their heels. Four victims were rescued, and the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, six motorcycles, and three mobile phones.”

The Army also said troops apprehended a notorious arms courier linked to a wanted terrorist.

He was arrested while conveying arms to a notorious terrorist kingpin in the Gidan Dogo forest.

The statement added, “In another operation, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted a joint offensive into Keyeri Hills and Gidan Dogo areas of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State During the operation, a terrorist arms courier was apprehended while transporting weapons for insurgents in the Gidan Dogo forest.

” Items recovered include three AK-47 rifles, one Galil rifle, 1,621 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 222 rounds of 7.62 x 36mm ammunition, 138 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two extra AK-47 magazines, and one G3 rifle magazine. The intelligence gathered from this suspect led to the arrest of eight additional individuals connected to the crime.”

In Plateau State, the Army said two suspects were arrested after troops raided a criminal hideout in Riyom local government.

“In a separate operation, troops stationed in Plateau State raided a criminal hideout in Riyom Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of two suspects.

“Items seized during the clampdown include two mobile phones and a knife. Meanwhile, in Barikin Ladi Local Government Area, troops, acting on credible intelligence, recovered 64 rustled cattle in Fann village.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the cattle were stolen during the Mangu crisis earlier this year.

“The Chief of Army Staff has lauded the troops for their resilience and sustained collaboration with other security agencies and local communities in the ongoing battle against terrorism and criminality,” the statement added.